Simulated tissue, body lumens and body wall and methods of making same

ABSTRACT

An artificial body wall is disclosed herein. The artificial body wall may include a first layer and a second layer. The first layer is substantially formed of a silicone rubber and includes at least one of an artificial epidermis-dermis layer or an artificial subcutaneous layer. The second layer extends along and below the first layer and is substantially formed of a silicone rubber. The second layer includes at least one of an artificial fascia layer or an artificial muscle layer. At least one of the first layer or second layer may be vascularized.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application incorporates in its entirety and claims thebenefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of: U.S. Provisional Application61/364,740, filed Jul. 15, 2010 and titled Multilayer ArtificialAbdominal Body Wall; and U.S. Provisional Application 61/364,906, filedJul. 16, 2010 and titled Non-Medical Grade Silicone Vessels forSimulation Models.

The present application is related to co-pending U.S. patent applicationentitled “Surgical Simulator, Simulated Organs and Methods of MakingSame”, filed Apr. 21, 2011, and can be identified by Ser. No.13/091,913, which application is incorporated by reference in itsentirety into the present application.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to simulated anatomical models and methodsof making such models. More specifically, the present invention relatessimulated tissue, body lumens and body walls and related methods ofmanufacture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A surgical technique is learned by physically practicing the technique.For example, a student may practice making an incision and then suturingthe incision on a living patient (e.g., a dog, pig, etc.), a cadaver, ora model (e.g., the backing of a carpet remnant). Each of these has itdisadvantages.

For example, while practicing surgical techniques on living animalsoffers the advantage of actual surgical conditions, there are highassociated costs due to having to obtain, take care of, and dispose ofthe animals. Also, societal attitudes are increasingly less favorabletowards the use of animals for such purposes.

Surgical conditions with cadaver tissue are less realistic than withactual living tissue due to a lack of flowing body fluids and thephysical characteristics of dead tissue. Also, there are high costsassociated with obtaining, maintaining, and disposing of cadavers.

While practicing making an incision and suturing on a backing of acarpet remnant may be inexpensive and portable for the student, such amodel has a poor correlation to actual tissue and can end up causing thestudent to develop incorrect techniques.

There is a need in the art for simulated anatomical models useable forpracticing surgical techniques, wherein the simulated anatomical modelsovercome the above-discussed disadvantages.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An artificial body wall is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, theartificial body wall includes a first layer and a second layer. Thefirst layer is substantially formed of a silicone rubber and includes atleast one of an artificial epidermis-dermis layer or an artificialsubcutaneous layer. The second layer extends along and below the firstlayer and is substantially formed of a silicone rubber. The second layerincludes at least one of an artificial fascia layer or an artificialmuscle layer. At least one of the first layer or second layer may bevascularized.

A method of manufacturing an artificial body wall is also disclosedherein. In one embodiment, the method includes: molding a first layersubstantially formed of a silicone rubber and including at least one ofan artificial epidermis-dermis layer or an artificial subcutaneouslayer; and after the first layer has substantially cured, causing asecond layer to extend along the first layer, the second layersubstantially formed of a silicone rubber and including at least one ofan artificial fascia layer or an artificial muscle layer.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of thepresent invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art fromthe following detailed description, which shows and describesillustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, theinvention is capable of modifications in various aspects, all withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention.Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded asillustrative in nature and not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a medial-lateral cross section of an artificial body wallrepresentative of an abdominal wall of a animal, such as, for example, ahorse.

FIG. 2 is the same view as FIG. 1, except having been substantiallyenlarged in an anterior-posterior direction only so as to more clearlydepict the various layers forming the artificial abdominal wall.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart outlining an embodiment of the manufacturingmethod for the artificial abdominal wall of FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the mold with the artificial epidermis-dermislayer deposited into the volume of the mold.

FIG. 5 is the same view of the mold as FIG. 4, except the artificialsubcutaneous layer has been deposited over the artificialepidermis-dermis layer and the artificial vessels have been depositedover the artificial subcutaneous layer.

FIG. 6 is the same view of the mold as FIG. 5, except the artificialvascularized muscle bellies are being deposited over the artificialfascia layer, which has been deposited between the artificialvascularized muscle bellies and the artificial vessels and artificialsubcutaneous layer.

FIG. 7 is the same view of the mold as FIG. 6, except an artificialfascia layer has been deposited over artificial vascularized musclebellies.

FIG. 8 is a similar view of the mold as FIG. 7, except an artificialabdominal landmark, e.g., linea alba, has been deposited over theartificial fascia layer.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a complete artificial body wall fluidlycoupled to a fluid supply via fluid conduits.

FIG. 10 is a transverse cross section of a mandrel and an artificialvessel being constructed thereon.

FIG. 11 is a transverse cross section of a three-layer artificial lumen.

FIG. 12 is a transverse cross section of a single layer artificiallumen.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of different types of lumens joined together toform branches.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Artificial tissues, body lumens and body walls are disclosed herein. Theartificial tissues, body lumens and body walls are advantageous becausethey offer a truly realistic surgical experience akin to working on aliving animal.

a. Artificial Body Wall

In one embodiment, artificial tissues may be used to form an artificialanatomical structure such as an artificial body wall having amulti-layer configuration that mimics a real body wall with respect totypes and order of layers, thickness of layers, tactile response, color,ability to hold a suture, and hemorrhaging when punctured or cut. Forexample, in one embodiment, an artificial body wall may, like a realbody wall, have a multi-layer configuration including an epidermis anddermis, subcutaneous tissue or hypodermis, fascia, skeletal muscle, fat,an inner lining layer such as a peritoneum when the artificial body wallis to mimic an abdominal wall or pelvic cavity or a pleura when theartificial body wall is to mimic a thoracic cavity. Further, theartificial body wall may include a vascular system within theappropriate layers of the artificial body wall and selected anatomicaldetails, such as, for example, a linea alba, umbilicus, rectus abdominusmuscle, epigastric arteries and veins, or etc. for providing landmarksthat are important for a particular surgical procedure.

For a detailed discussion of an embodiment of an artificial body wall ofan animal or human, reference is made to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is amedial-lateral cross section of an artificial body wall 10representative of an abdominal wall of a animal, such as, for example, ahorse. FIG. 2 is the same view as FIG. 1, except having beensubstantially enlarged only in an anterior-posterior direction so as tomore clearly depict the various layers forming the artificial abdominalwall 10.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the artificial abdominal wall 10 includes afirst surface 11 that is representative of an outer surface 11 of anabdominal wall and a second surface 12 that is representative of aninner surface 12 of an abdominal wall. The outer surface 11 is definedby an outermost layer 15 of the artificial abdominal wall 10, which isrepresentative of the epidermis and dermis. For many species of animals,and also in humans, the epidermis is a superficial, protectivekeratinized layer of the skin. The dermis is underneath and joined tothe epidermis and is a thicker fibrous and irregular connective tissue.

For the artificial body wall 10, the epidermis-dermis layer 15 may besimilar to a real epidermis-dermis layer in both appearance and physicalcharacteristics. For example, in one embodiment, the artificialepidermis-dermis layer 15 is tear resistant, is able to hold a suture,and has limited elasticity. Also, the artificial epidermis-dermis layer15 has a smooth finish, accurate surface detail, and realistic color andtexture that closely mimics the surface of a real epidermis-dermislayer.

The artificial epidermis-dermis layer 15 can be can be shaped andcolored according to the needs of the surgical technique to be practicedand to mimic the characteristics of the species and body location to bemimicked by the artificial epidermis-dermis layer 15. Example surgicalskills that can be practiced on such an artificial epidermis-dermislayer 15 include suturing, creation of pedicle skin flaps forreconstructive surgery techniques, reconstructive surgery planning andperformance, skin biopsy techniques, skin scrapping techniques, targetedmass removals and dissecting techniques.

The artificial epidermis-dermis layer 15 can be employed with otherlayers of an artificial body wall 10 in forming a body wall structure onwhich various surgical procedures can be practiced. For example, asindicated in FIG. 1, the epidermis-dermis layer 15 extends over, andanatomically interconnects with, a hypodermis of subcutaneous tissuelayer 20. In humans, as well as in other species, the subcutaneoustissue layer is mostly adipose tissue with a portion of connectivetissue. Therefore, fat is typically the main tissue represented in thesubcutaneous tissue layer.

For the artificial subcutaneous layer 20, its durometer and color can beadapted as needed, depending on the intended use of the model. Similarto a real subcutaneous layer of an actual animal or human, in oneembodiment, the artificial subcutaneous layer 20 is a lot less resistantto strain as compared to the artificial epidermis-dermis layer 15. Also,just like a real subcutaneous layer, the artificial subcutaneous layer20 may be made to have a greasy, soft and compliant tactilecharacteristic or the tactile characteristics of a harder, denser “fattissue”. The color, thickness and locations of the artificialsubcutaneous layer 20 may be tailored to a specific animal or human.

When employed in the artificial body wall 10, the artificialsubcutaneous layer 20 accompanies the artificial epidermis-dermis layer15 and has the same overall potential utilization as the artificialepidermis-dermis layer 15. Additionally, the artificial subcutaneouslayer 20 can be made as thin or as thick as necessary, depending uponthe function of the artificial body wall 10. An example of the advantageof such a capability would be a thicker artificial subcutaneous layer 20that can increase the realism and the difficulty level of a specificsurgical approach, when this is deemed necessary for training purposes,for example, in the case training for surgery on bariatric patients.

The fascia is a connective tissue that surrounds muscles, groups ofmuscles, blood vessels, and nerves, binding those structures together.As can be understood from FIG. 1, in the artificial body wall 10, theartificial fascia layer 25 has a similar function, and acts as amuscular involucrum. In one embodiment of an artificial body wall 10that is configured to mimic an abdominal wall, the artificial body wall10 includes a linea alba 30 that interconnects two artificial abdominalwall muscle bellies 35 of the artificial body wall 10. As mentionedabove, the artificial body wall 10 can be configured to have selectedanatomical details for increasing fidelity and providing landmarks thatare important for a particular surgical procedure. For example, thelinea alba 30 of the artificial abdominal wall 10 can serve as alandmark and as a port of entry for abdominal procedures, just as is thecase in a surgical procedure on a living patient. Also, dissection canbe done between the planes of the artificial facial layer 25 andapproaches through the artificial linea alba 30.

Real skeletal muscle is designed as a bundle within a bundlearrangement, and the entire muscular unit is surrounded by a connectivetissue called epimysium. In the artificial abdominal wall 10, theartificial fascia layer 25 surrounding the artificial rectus abdominusmuscle 35 represents the epimysium.

In one embodiment, the artificial muscle-fascia unit 40 (i.e., theartificial fascia layer 25 and artificial muscle bellies 35) resemblesmuscular tissue but without the striated bundles. In one embodiment theartificial muscle-fascia unit 40 has a texture mimicking striated musclewithout tension, which is conveniently similar to a surgical scenariowhere the patient is anesthetized. Like a real muscle-fascia unit inreal surgical conditions, the artificial muscle-fascia unit 40 willsuffer elastic deformation but to a limited degree, since a dense layerof artificial fascia 25 encapsulates the artificial muscle belly 35.Resistance to tearing is decreased for the artificial muscle-fascia unit40, which is also something encountered in a real surgical environment.Thus, the artificial muscle-fascia unity 40 provides surgical conditionslike those encountered when in a real surgical environment, allowing astudent to develop the surgical techniques and finesse required tomaintain tissue integrity.

As can be understood from FIG. 1, in one embodiment, vessels 45 aredistributed unevenly throughout applicable portions of the artificialbody wall 10, which is like the vascular distribution of the tributaryvessels in muscular tissue. Depending on the body wall that artificialbody wall 10 is supposed to replicate, the vascular arrangement withinthe artificial body wall 10 may have main veins, arteries and othervessels located in the artificial body wall 10 as would be the case withthe real body wall the artificial body wall 10 is supposed to replicate.Thus, in one embodiment, the artificial body wall 10 provides a surgicaltraining experience that is very similar to a real surgical experience.For example, artificial body wall 10 offers dissection through tissueplanes and realistic surgical approaches with bleeding consequent toerroneous incisions, or purposely due to a trans-muscular approach.

As can be understood from FIG. 1, in one embodiment, the artificial bodywall 10 includes an artificial innermost layer 50, which, depending onthe type of body wall being represented by the artificial body wall 10,will be an artificial peritoneum layer 50 or an artificial pleura layer.In an actual patient, the peritoneum is a thin membrane that lines theabdominal and pelvic cavities (i.e., parietal peritoneum), and coversmost abdominal viscera (i.e., visceral peritoneum). A similardescription and distinction is given to the thin membrane that lines theinside of the thoracic cavity (i.e., parietal pleura) and the organswithin the thoracic cavity (i.e., visceral pleura). These serousmembranes are composed of a layer of mesothelium supported by a thinlayer of connective tissue, resulting in a thin, trans-lucid layer withlimited elasticity and high resistance to tearing without sharppenetration. The artificial innermost layer 50 has many, if not all, ofthe visual and tactile characteristics of a real peritoneum or pleura.

For a discussion regarding a method of manufacturing, and the materialcompositions forming, the artificial body wall and its variousartificial layers, reference is made to FIG. 3, which is a flow chartoutlining an embodiment of the manufacturing method. As can beunderstood from FIG. 2, in one embodiment, a mold 55 is provided [block100]. In one embodiment, the mold is sculpted or machined to resemble anegative of a body wall surface the artificial body wall 10 is toreplicate. In another embodiment, the mold is a result of an initialmold taken of a body wall surface of a living or deceased creature or asculpted body wall surface. For example, a short-lived mold is createdfrom an original that may be deceased, alive, or sculpted. A claypositive is casted utilizing the short-lived mold, the clay positiverepresenting the original body wall surface. The clay positive iscorrected as needed, in accordance to the objective of the finalproduct. As an example, it may be desirable to have a more anatomicallycorrect mold if the objective is the training of surgical approachesthat require recognition of specific landmarks.

A polyurethane mold is then formed about the clay positive. In doing so,borders are created around the clay positive with a moldable oil basedsoft clay. The mold is then pulverized with a release agent and allowedto dry. A first layer of polyurethane Shore A 30 is then poured orpainted over the clay positive, followed by a minimum of three and amaximum of five layers of the same material, which are reinforced withpolyester fibers. A period of 15-20 minutes is allowed to elapse betweenlayers of polyurethane. Once all layers of polyurethane are laid up, thepolyurethane mold is left to completely cure for a period of 24 hoursprior to being used in the molding of the artificial body wall 10. Someof the mold embodiments require a hard shell in order to preventpermanent deformation or simply to facilitate handling of the mold. Inone embodiment, the outer shell is created using a fast set liquidplastic. In other embodiments, the outer shell is created using othermaterials, such as, for example, plaster and fiberglass. Some molds willbe multi-part and, as a result, will have an outer shell so as tofacilitate the creation of a tight seal between the edges of the mold.

For a two part or other multi-part molds, the particularities of eachstructure will require variations, but the principle remains verysimilar. The first part of a two part mold includes casting of a lumenof a hollow viscera or large vessel. The second part of the two partmold can be created after the thickness of the wall of the structure tobe casted is determined, and an equal thickness lining of soft clay isutilized to cover the entire casted structure, preparing for the makingof the second part of the mold. When placed together these two partscreate a lumen and a wall that preserves anatomical details andthickness.

As can be understood from FIG. 3, once the mold 55 is provided, thelayers of the abdominal wall can then be laid up. For example, as shownin FIG. 4, which is a plan view of the mold 55, the artificialepidermis-dermis layer 15 is poured, sprayed, injected or otherwisedeposited into the volume of the mold 55 [block 105].

In one embodiment, the artificial epidermis-dermis layer 15 is formed ofa combination of platinum cured room temperature vulcanization siliconerubber (“PCRTVS”) durometer Shore A10 (such as, for example Dragon Skin10®) and PCRTVS durometer Shore OO50 (such as, for example, EcoflexOO50®), both of which are manufactured by Smooth-on of Easton, Pa. Inone embodiment, the combination of PCRTVS A10 and PCRTVS OO50 formsgenerally the entirety of the composition of the artificialepidermis-dermis layer 15. As can be understood by those skilled in theart, the Shore durometer numbers provided above represent the Shoredurometer of the respective cured material. The two Shore durometerscales are “A” and “OO”, with the “A” scale going from A10 to A40 foreither polyurethane or silicone rubber. A10 is at the softest end of the“A” scale. The “OO” scale is softer than the “A” scale, and OO10 is atthe softest end of the “OO” scale.

In other embodiments, the combination of PCRTVS A10 and PCRTVS OO50 iscombined with other materials, such as, for example, natural orsynthetic fibers in to form the entirety of the composition of theartificial epidermis-dermis layer 15. Examples of such natural orsynthetic fibers include wool or animal hair, polyester, nylon, acrylic,rayon, etc. The inclusion of such natural or synthetic fibers into thecombination of PCRTVS A10 and PCRTVS OO50 is done to increase theresistance of the cured material to tearing and to decrease itselasticity. In such embodiments employing natural or artificial fibers,the combination of PCRTVS A10 and PCRTVS OO50 will form the majority ofthe volume of the composition of the artificial epidermis-dermis layer15, for example, at least 95% of the volume of the final cured materialforming the artificial epidermis-dermis layer 15.

In one embodiment, the combination of PCRTVS A10 and PCRTVS OO50 ismixed approximately 50% PCRTVS A10 and 50% PCRTVS OO50 by weight ingrams. In one embodiment, the combination of PCRTVS A10 and PCRTVS OO50is mixed approximately 75% PCRTVS A10 and 25% PCRTVS OO50 by weight ingrams. In one embodiment, the combination of PCRTVS A10 and PCRTVS OO50is mixed approximately 80% PCRTVS A10 and 20% PCRTVS OO50 by weight ingrams.

In one embodiment, the combination of PCRTVS A10 and PCRTVS OO50 whenfully cured as the artificial epidermis-dermis layer 15 has a Shoredurometer of between approximately OO50 to approximately A10. In oneembodiment, the combination of PCRTVS A10 and PCRTVS OO50 when fullycured as the artificial epidermis-dermis layer 15 has a Shore durometerof between approximately OO10 to approximately OO50.

Once the artificial epidermis-dermis layer 15 has at least partiallycured within the mold 55, the artificial subcutaneous layer 20 ispoured, sprayed, injected or otherwise deposited into the volume of themold 55 over the artificial epidermis-dermis layer [block 110].

In one embodiment, the artificial subcutaneous or fat layer 20 is formedof a combination of one part PCRTVS A10 and another part PCRTVS OO10(such as, for example, Ecoflex OO10®), PCRTVS OO50 or another PCRTVSbetween OO10 and OO50, all of which are manufactured by Smooth-on ofEaston, Pa. In one embodiment, the combination of PCRTVS A10 and aPCRTVS between approximately OO10 and approximately OO50 forms generallythe entirety of the composition of the artificial subcutaneous or fatlayer 20.

In other embodiments, the combination of PCRTVS A10 and a PCRTVS betweenapproximately OO10 and approximately OO50 is combined with yet anotherpart in the form of an additive material, such as, for example, Slacker®(tactile mutator as available from Smooth-on of Easton, Pa.) to form theartificial subcutaneous or fat layer 20. The inclusion of this additivematerial into the combination of PCRTVS A10 and a PCRTVS betweenapproximately OO10 and approximately OO50 is done to decrease thedurometer and increase the stickiness/greasiness of the combinationforming the artificial subcutaneous or fat layer 20. In such embodimentsincluding the additive material, the combination of PCRTVS A10(component “A”), a PCRTVS between approximately OO10 and approximatelyOO50 (component “B”), and an additive, such as, for example, Slacker®(component “C”) is mixed by volume as follows: one part A, one part B,and one part C. In another embodiment, the combination of PCRTVS A10(component “A”), a PCRTVS between approximately OO10 and approximatelyOO50 (component “B”), and an additive, such as, for example, Slacker®(component “C”) is mixed by volume as follows: one part A, one part B,and two parts C. In yet another embodiment, the combination of PCRTVSA10 (component “A”), a PCRTVS between approximately OO10 andapproximately OO50 (component “B”), and an additive, such as, forexample, Slacker® (component “C”) is mixed by volume as follows: onepart A, one part B, and three parts C. In yet another embodiment, thecombination of PCRTVS A10 (component “A”), a PCRTVS betweenapproximately OO10 and approximately OO50 (component “B”), and anadditive, such as, for example, Slacker® (component “C”) is mixed byvolume as follows: one part A, one part B, and four parts C. Finally, inyet another embodiment, the combination of PCRTVS A10 (component “A”), aPCRTVS between approximately OO10 and approximately OO50 (component“B”), and an additive, such as, for example, Slacker® (component “C”) ismixed by volume as follows: one part A, one part B, and four and a halfparts C.

As indicated in FIG. 5, which is the same view as FIG. 4, except furtheralong in the process, once the artificial subcutaneous layer 20 has atleast partially cured within the mold 55 over the artificialepidermis-dermis layer 15, artificial vessels 45 are laid over theartificial subcutaneous layer 20 [block 115]. Alternatively, theartificial vessels 45 are laid over the at least partially curedartificial epidermis-dermis layer 15 such that the artificial vessels 45are located in the immediate subcutaneous space. The artificialsubcutaneous layer 20 is then deposited over both the artificialepidermis-dermis layer 15 and the vessels 45, encasing the vessels 45 inthe artificial subcutaneous layer 20.

Regardless of when in the process of the vessels 45 are laid down intothe mold, the vessels 45 may be laid in a generally random fashion orlaid so as to replicate the arrangement of specific major vessels suchas, for example, the superficial epigastric and superficial circumflexiliac veins. Each free end of an individual vessel 45 may include acoupling 70 that can be used to couple the free end of an individualvessel 45 to a fluid supply. As will be discussed below, since there area substantial number of couplings 70, a manifold may be employed tocouple the couplings 70 to a fluid source. A discussion regardingartificial vessels 45 and their manufacture is provided below.

In a manner similar that depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5, the vascularizedartificial muscle bellies 35 are formed in the volume of another mold[block 120]. Specifically, the polymer material used to form the musclebellies 35 is poured, sprayed, injected or otherwise deposited into thevolume of a mold similar to the mold depicted in FIG. 4. In oneembodiment, a first pour is provided similar to the manner discussedabove with respect to FIG. 4, after which artificial vessels 45 are laidover the at least partially cured first pour similar to the mannerdiscussed above with respect to FIG. 5. A second pour is then appliedover the artificial vessels 45 and first pour, the entirety beingallowed to then cure into a unitary vascularized artificial muscle belly35. In another embodiment, the artificial vessels 45 are laid into themold and the polymer material used to form the muscle bellies 35 ispoured into the mold in a single pour, the polymer material generallyengulfing the artificial vessels 45. The entirety is allowed to thencure into a unitary vascularized artificial muscle belly 35.

In one embodiment, the artificial muscle bellies 35 are formed of acombination of PCRTVS OO10 and PCRTVS OO30, both of which aremanufactured by Smooth-on of Easton, Pa. In such an embodiment, thecombination of PCRTVS OO10 and PCRTVS OO30 is mixed approximately 50%PCRTVS OO10 and 50% PCRTVS OO30 by weight.

In other embodiments, the artificial muscle bellies 35 are formed ofeither PCRTVS OO10 or PCRTVS OO30. In other words, the mixture is 100%PCRTVS OO10 and 0% PCRTVS OO30, or vice versa. Regardless of whether theartificial muscle bellies 35 are formed of PCRTVS OO10, PCRTVS OO30 or acombination of PCRTVS OO10 and PCRTVS OO30, in one embodiment, thesematerials, individually or in combination, form generally the entiretyof the composition of the artificial muscle bellies 35.

In other embodiments where the artificial muscle bellies 35 are formedof PCRTVS OO10, PCRTVS OO30 or a combination of PCRTVS OO10 and PCRTVSOO30, other materials are also included, such as, for example, Rayonflocking, mixed triturated cured silicone, etc. to form the entirety ofthe composition of the artificial muscle bellies 35. The inclusion ofsuch other materials into the mix is done to modulate the friability ofthe cured material and improve its fidelity. In such embodimentsemploying such other materials, the PCRTVS 0010, PCRTVS 0030 orcombination of PCRTVS 0010 and PCRTVS 0030 will form the majority of thevolume of the composition of the artificial muscle bellies 35, forexample, at least 80% of the volume of the final cured material formingthe artificial muscle bellies 35.

In one embodiment, the combination of PCRTVS 0010 and PCRTVS 0030 whenfully cured as the artificial muscle bellies 35 has a Shore durometer ofbetween approximately 0010 to approximately 0030.

As shown in FIG. 6, which is the same view as FIG. 5, except furtheralong in the process, the artificial fascia layer 25 is poured, sprayed,injected or otherwise deposited between the cured artificialsubcutaneous layer 20 and the artificial muscle bellies 35 [block 125].The artificial muscle bellies 35 are laid over the artificialsubcutaneous layer 20 [block 130]. The artificial fascia layer 25adheres the artificial muscle bellies 35 to the artificial subcutaneouslayer 20.

The respective combinations of polymers used for the muscle bellies 35and the fascia layer 25 can be used to represent a muscular-tendinousunit and allows the creating of anatomically correct tendon/ligamentbone interfaces.

In one embodiment, the artificial fascia layer 25 is formed of acombination of PCRTVS A10 and PCRTVS A20 (Dragon skin 20®), both ofwhich are manufactured by Smooth-on of Easton, Pa. In such anembodiment, the combination of PCRTVS A10 and PCRTVS A20 is mixedapproximately 50% PCRTVS A10 and 50% PCRTVS A20 by weight.

In other embodiments, the artificial fascia layer 25 is formed of eitherPCRTVS A10 or PCRTVS A20. In other words, the mixture is 100% PCRTVS A10and 0% PCRTVS A20, or vice versa. Regardless of whether the artificialfascia layer 25 is formed of PCRTVS A10, PCRTVS A20 or a combination ofPCRTVS A10 and PCRTVS A20, in one embodiment, these materials,individually or in combination, form generally the entirety of thecomposition of the artificial fascia layer 25.

In other embodiments where the artificial fascia layer 25 is formed ofPCRTVS A10, PCRTVS A20 or a combination of PCRTVS A10 and PCRTVS A20,other materials are also included, such as, for example, natural orsynthetic fibers, to form the entirety of the composition of theartificial muscle bellies 35. Examples of such natural or syntheticfibers include wool or animal hair, polyester, nylon, acrylic, rayon,etc. The inclusion of such other materials into the mix is done toincrease strength the strength of the cured materials and simulate thefibrous nature of the real fascial tissue. In such embodiments employingsuch other materials, the PCRTVS A10, PCRTVS A20 or combination ofPCRTVS A10 and PCRTVS A20 will form the majority of the volume of thecomposition of the artificial fascia layer 25, for example, at least 95%of the volume of the final cured material forming the artificial fascialayer 25.

In one embodiment, the combination of PCRTVS A10 and PCRTVS A20 whenfully cured as the artificial fascia layer 25 has a Shore durometer ofbetween approximately A10 to approximately A20.

As shown in FIG. 7, which is the same view as FIG. 5, except furtheralong in the process, an artificial fascia layer 25 is poured, sprayed,injected or otherwise deposited on top of the artificial muscle bellies35 [block 135]. This artificial fascia layer 25 near the inward surface12 is formed via the same materials and methods described above withrespect to the artificial fascia layer 25 deposited between theartificial subcutaneous layer 20 and the artificial muscle bellies 35.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, which is a view similar to that of FIG. 7,except further along in the process, materials are laid, poured,sprayed, injected or otherwise deposited along the space separating theadjacent artificial muscle bellies 35 to form a useful abdominallandmark, namely, the linea alba 30 [block 140]. In one embodiment, thematerials used to form the linea alba 30 are as described above withrespect to the artificial fascia layer 25.

In one embodiment, an artificial sub-peritoneal fat layer may bedeposited over the artificial fascia layer 25 that is near the inwardsurface 12. If an artificial sub-peritoneal fat layer is provided forthe artificial body wall 10, then the sub-peritoneal fat layer will beformulated and applied as explained above with respect to artificialsubcutaneous layer 20.

In a final operation, the innermost layer 50 (e.g., artificialperitoneum layer since this example is in the context of an abdominalwall) is poured, sprayed, injected or otherwise deposited over theartificial fascia layer 25 that is near the inward surface 12 or overthe sub-peritoneal fat layer that extends over said artificial fascialayer 25, where such a sub-peritoneal fat layer is present [block 145].

In one embodiment, the artificial innermost layer 50 is formed of asilicone thixotropic agent mixed with PCRTVS A10, PCRTVS A20, or PCRTVSOO50, all of which are manufactured by Smooth-on of Easton, Pa. In oneembodiment, the thixotropic agent is (Thi-Vex II®) as is manufactured bySmooth-on of Easton, Pa. The inclusion of the thixotropic agent into thePCRTVS A10, PCRTVS A20, or PCRTVS OO50 is done to increase the viscosityof the PCRTVS material in proportion to the amount added, thickening therubber to a “brush-on” application for forming the artificial innermostlayer 50.

Depending on the embodiment, mixtures for the artificial innermost layer50 are as follows, wherein PCRTVS A10 is component “A”, PCRTVS A20 iscomponent “B”, PCRTVS OO50 is component “C”, and the thixotropic agentis component “D”. In one embodiment, the thixotropic agent utilized ineach of the following mixtures is the same thixotropic agent. In oneembodiment, the thixotropic agent forms no more than approximately 1% ofthe total weight of the mixture.

-   -   COMPONENT A: by weight when mixing, between approximately 1 and        2 parts component A and between approximately 1/200 and 1/100        parts component D.    -   COMPONENT B: by weight when mixing, between approximately 1 and        2 parts component B and between approximately 1/200 and 1/100        parts component D.    -   COMPONENT C: by volume when mixing, between approximately 1 and        2 parts component C and between approximately 1/200 and 1/100        parts component D.

In one embodiment of the artificial innermost layer 50, the artificialinnermost layer 50 may be mixed as described in the immediatelypreceding paragraph with respect to each of components A-C, exceptcomponent D will not be included in any of the mixtures.

In one embodiment of an artificial hollow viscera 45, an artificialperitoneal layer may be applied about the outer circumferential surfaceof any of the artificial hollow viscera embodiments discussed below withrespect to FIGS. 10-13. Such an artificial peritoneal layer applied tothe outer circumferential surface of an artificial hollow viscera 45 maybe mixed as described immediately above with respect to components A-C,including providing component D in all of the mixtures or, in thealternative, without providing component D in any of the mixtures.

In one embodiment of the artificial innermost layer 50, regardless ofwhether the artificial innermost layer 50 is formed of PCRTVS A10,PCRTVS A20 or PCRTVS OO50, other materials are also included, such as,for example, natural or synthetic fibers, to form the entirety of thecomposition of the artificial innermost layer 50. Examples of suchnatural or synthetic fibers include rayon flocking, etc. The inclusionof such other materials into the mix is done to provide a realistictexture and color for the cured materials. In such embodiments employingsuch other materials, the PCRTVS A10, PCRTVS A20, or PCRTVS OO50 willform the majority of the volume of the composition of the artificialinnermost layer 50, for example, at least 99% of the volume of the finalcured material forming the artificial innermost layer 50.

In one embodiment, the material forming the artificial innermost layer50 when fully cured has a Shore durometer of between approximately OO50to approximately A20.

In one embodiment, the mixtures described above with respect to theinnermost layer 50 can be utilized not only for layer limitations (e.g.,sub-peritoneal fat) and serosal coverage of abdominal viscera, but alsofor creation of mesentery attachments to intestines and omenta oromentum. As an example, this layer can also serve as a conduit for bloodvessels that would require ligatures in order to proceed with a smallintestinal resection and anastomosis.

For any of the layers 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 50 discussed above, colorsmay also be added to the specific mix to result in a color for the layerthat as closely as possible matches the color of the actual tissue beingmimicked.

As indicated in FIG. 3, once the artificial inner most layer 50 isdeposited over the last deposited artificial fascia and/orsub-peritoneal fat layer 25, the layers 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 50 areallowed to cure in the mold 55 into a unitary, artificial body wall 10[block 150] and, once cured, the artificial body wall 10 is removed fromthe mold 55 [block 155].

As illustrated in FIG. 9, which is a perspective view of a completeartificial body wall 10 fluidly coupled to a fluid supply, the couplers70 leading from the vessels 45 are fluidly coupled to fluid connectionsof a manifold 73. Fluid conduits 75 extend from the manifold 73 to apump 80 and fluid reservoir or fluid reservoir alone 85. Where a pump isprovided, the pump 80 pressurizes the fluid system such that a fluid,for example, an artificial blood, is caused to flow through the vessels45 of the artificial body wall 10. Thus, when a vessel 45 within in theartificial body wall 10 is cut in the course of practicing a medicalprocedure on the artificial body wall 10, the artificial blood will becaused to flow from the cut, resulting in a more realistic learningexperience. Where no pump is provided, the reservoir will be elevatedsufficiently to provide the head needed to pressurize the fluid system.

The fluid system may include an element that facilitates determining anamount of fluid lost via an opening created in the plurality of lumens.For example, if one or more lumens are cut during a simulated surgicaltechnique on the artificial body wall, a float in a liquid reservoir, afluid flow meter, or other devices may be used to determine how muchfluid has escaped from the cut lumens prior to the cut lumens beingsutured closed. Thus, a student practicing a medical technique on theartificial body wall can be evaluated with respect to whether thestudent allowed too much liquid (e.g., artificial blood) to be lost fromthe patient during the medical technique.

b. Artificial Vessels and Artificial Hollow Viscera

In other embodiments, artificial tissues may be used to form anartificial anatomical structure such as an artificial vessel orartificial hollow viscera. An artificial vessel or hollow viscera has alumen wall with a multi-layer configuration that mimics a real lumenwall of a body with respect to types and order of layers, thickness oflayers, tactile response, color, and ability to hold a suture.

Real vessels, such as, for example, an artery or vein, have four layersat the microscopic level. Specifically, the layers are a protectivefibrous covering, a middle layer of smooth muscle and elastic fibers,and an inner layer of connective tissue lined with a smooth layer ofcells. Arteries have a thicker muscle layer to withstand the highersystolic pressures. Veins are wider and adapt to the change in volume ofblood.

Real hollow viscera may be in the form of an alimentary system, which isthe segment extending from the mouth, passing through the esophagus,stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum and appendix (humans),ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, rectum and anus.These hollow viscera all have particular anatomic and histologicfeatures that are a reflection of their functional physiology. What allhollow viscera have in common is some kind of tissue layering thatreflects its function.

For the artificial lumens 45 (e.g., vessels and hollow viscera)disclosed herein, the wall thickness and internal diameter varyaccording to the location where the lumens are to be placed in a largermodel, such as, for example, the artificial body wall 10 discussed aboveor in other body structures, such as, for example, an organ model. Lumensize will also depend on the size of the animal or human being modeledand the function the lumen is supposed to perform. Also, one, two, threeor four layers may be necessary depending on the function that suchlumen is to perform.

Disclosed below are multilayer imitations of artificial lumens 45 builtwith different combinations of platinum cured RTV silicone rubbers thathave various distinct textures, consistencies and colors resembling withclose approximation, the textures, consistencies and colors encounteredin organic specimens. Like the artificial body wall 10 disclosed above,the artificial lumens 45 mimic the feeling experienced during surgicalsituations in live animals or humans.

As can be understood from FIG. 10, which is a transverse cross sectionof a mandrel 87 and a multi-layer artificial lumen 45 being constructedthereon, an example method of manufacturing a multi-layer artificiallumen 45 begins by providing a cylindrical mandrel 87 with a smoothouter surface 88. The mandrel may be formed of brass, stainless steel,copper, aluminum, glass, etc. The diameter of the mandrel will depend onthe desired diameter for the artificial lumen 45 being laid up on themandrel.

A release agent is applied to the outer surface 88 of the mandrel. Inone embodiment, the release agent is a 1:40 solution of a regular liquiddetergent and S-L-X Denatured Alcohol. The release agent on the mandrel87 is allowed to dry followed by covering the outer circumferentialsurface of the mandrel with an evenly distributed layer of anaerosolized silicone rubber, creating an innermost layer 90 of theartificial lumen 45.

The application of the aerosolized silicon rubber to the mandrel occurswith the application of heat to the outside surface of the mandrel via,for example, hot air provided by a heat gun or similar source of heatedmoderate air flow. The application of the aerosolized silicon rubberconcomitantly with the application of a moderate flow of continuous hotair accelerates the curing process of the innermost layer 90.

As can be understood from FIG. 10, the next lumen layer 95 is thendeposited about the outer circumferential surface of the innermost layer90 via application of another aerosolized silicon rubber layer in thepresence of the heated airflow. The methodology can be repeated asnecessary to create artificial lumens having one, two, three, four ormore layers of silicon rubber, one or more of the layers having adifferent Shore durometer number. Once the desired number of layers islaid up and the resulting artificial lumen is adequately cured, themandrel can be removed from within the completed artificial lumen 45,which may then be used as an artificial vessel or artificial hollowviscera.

In one embodiment, the mandrel is constantly rotated during thedepositing of the various layers about the mandrel and during the curingof such layers.

In a first embodiment of an artificial lumen 45, the inner layer 90 isformed of a PCRTVS having a Shore durometer of approximately OO10 andthe outer layer is formed of a PCRTVS having a Shore durometer ofapproximately OO30. In other alternative embodiments, PCRTVS OO10, OO30,OO50, A10 and A20 with additives may be combined similar to as describedabove with respect to the artificial body wall 10. Specifically, theartificial lumens may employ the above-listed PCRTVS materials indifferent mixtures and as different layers having different mixtures.Such lumens 45 may be employed as a vessel or hollow viscera. Shoredurometer ranges for such lumens may be between approximately OO10 andOO50.

In a second embodiment of an artificial lumen 45, the inner layer 90 hasa wall thickness of approximately 0.5 mm, the outer wall layer 95 has awall thickness of between approximately 0.1 mm and approximately 0.2 mm,the inside diameter of the lumen 45 is approximately 1 mm, and theoutside diameter of the lumen 45 is between approximately 2 mm andapproximately 2.4 mm. In such an embodiment, the inner layer 90 may beformed of a material such as a super soft platinum-catalyzed siliconerubber having a Shore durometer of approximately OO30 and available fromSmooth-on of Easton, Pa. under the tradename of Ecoflex OO30. In such anembodiment, the outer layer 95 may be formed of a material such as aplatinum silicone rubber paint base available from Smooth-on of Easton,Pa. under the tradename of Psycho Paint. Such a lumen 45 may be employedas a vessel.

In a third embodiment of an artificial lumen 45, the inner layer 90 hasa wall thickness of approximately 1 mm, the outer wall layer 95 has awall thickness of approximately 0.5 mm, the inside diameter of the lumen45 is approximately 2 mm, and the outside diameter of the lumen 45 isapproximately 5 mm. In such an embodiment, the inner layer 90 may beformed of a material such as a super soft platinum-catalyzed siliconerubber having a Shore durometer of approximately OO30 and available fromSmooth-on of Easton, Pa. under the tradename of Ecoflex OO30. In such anembodiment, the outer layer 95 may be formed of a material such as aplatinum silicone rubber paint base available from Smooth-on of Easton,Pa. under the trade name of Psycho Paint. Such a lumen 45 may beemployed as a vessel.

In a fourth embodiment of an artificial lumen 45, the inner layer 90 hasa wall thickness of approximately 0.5 mm, the outer wall layer 95 has awall thickness of between approximately 0.2 mm and approximately 0.3 mm,the inside diameter of the lumen 45 is approximately 1 mm, and theoutside diameter of the lumen 45 is between approximately 2.4 mm andapproximately 2.6 mm. In such an embodiment, the inner layer 90 may beformed of a material such as a super soft platinum-catalyzed siliconerubber having a Shore durometer of approximately OO30 and a availablefrom Smooth-on of Easton, Pa. under the tradename of Ecoflex OO30. Insuch an embodiment, the outer layer 95 may be formed of a material suchas a platinum silicone rubber paint base available from Smooth-on ofEaston, Pa. under the tradename of Psycho Paint. Such a lumen 45 may beemployed as a vessel.

In a fifth embodiment of an artificial lumen 45, the inner layer 90 hasa wall thickness of approximately 3 mm, the outer wall layer 95 has awall thickness of approximately 0.5 mm, the inside diameter of the lumen45 is approximately 10 mm, and the outside diameter of the lumen 45 isapproximately 17 mm. In such an embodiment, the inner layer 90 may beformed of a material such as a super soft platinum-catalyzed siliconerubber having a Shore durometer of approximately OO10 and available fromSmooth-on of Easton, Pa. under the tradename of Ecoflex OO10. In such anembodiment, the outer layer 95 may be formed of a material such as aplatinum silicone rubber having a Shore durometer of approximately OO30and available from Smooth-on of Easton, Pa. under the tradename ofEcoflex OO30. Such a lumen 45 may be employed as a vessel.

As can be understood form FIG. 11, which is a transverse cross sectionof a sixth embodiment of a multi-layer artificial lumen 45, the innerlayer 90 has a wall thickness of approximately 1 mm, a middle layer 100has a wall thickness of approximately 2 mm, the outer wall layer 95 hasa wall thickness of approximately 1 mm, the inside diameter of the lumen45 is approximately 4 mm, and the outside diameter of the lumen 45 isapproximately 12 mm. In such an embodiment, the middle layer 100 may beformed of a material such as a super soft platinum-catalyzed siliconerubber having a Shore durometer of approximately OO10 and available fromSmooth-on of Easton, Pa. under the tradename of Ecoflex OO10. In such anembodiment, the inner layer 90 and outer layer 95 may be formed of amaterial such as a platinum silicone rubber paint base available fromSmooth-on of Easton, Pa. under the tradename of Psycho Paint. Such alumen 45 may be employed as a vessel.

As can be understood from FIG. 12, which is a transverse cross sectionof a single layer artificial lumen 45, the only layer 90 of the lumen 45has a wall thickness of approximately 1 mm, an inside diameter of thelumen 45 is approximately 2 mm, and an outside diameter of the lumen 45is approximately 4 mm. In such an embodiment, the only layer 90 may beformed of a material such as a super soft platinum-catalyzed siliconerubber having a Shore durometer of approximately OO30 and available fromSmooth-on of Easton, Pa. under the tradename of Ecoflex. Such a lumen 45may be employed as a vessel.

As indicated in FIG. 13, which is a plan view of different types oflumens joined together to form branches, a single artificial lumen 45transitions into parallel artificial lumens 45 and back into a singleartificial lumen 45. In one embodiment, the single artificial lumens atA in FIG. 13 are the single layer artificial lumen 45 discussed abovewith respect to FIG. 12. The parallel artificial lumens at B in FIG. 13are the fourth embodiment of the multi-layer lumens 45 discussed above.Such a network of lumens 45 as depicted in FIG. 13 are advantageous foruse as a network of vessels to be avoided or dealt with by thestudent/trainee in the event of damage during the simulated surgicalapproach.

The artificial lumens disclosed herein offer limited elasticity anddistention, the capacity for supporting several punctures and to resisttearing when manipulated with surgical instruments and when a ligatureis placed. When employed as vessels 45 in the artificial body wall 45,the lumens 45 are not easily distinguished from surrounding tissuesbeing cut, which brings a higher degree of fidelity to the models thatare intended to bleed once an incision is performed. As vessels 45 in anartificial body wall 10, the vessels allow the artificial body wall torespond more realistic to surgical interventions by actively bleeding oroozing artificial blood or serum. The vessels 45 can be clamped andligated.

When the lumens 45 are applied as hollow viscera 45 in a body trunkmodel similar to those discussed below, the lumens 45 can allowrealistic anastomosis, enterotomies and removal of specific portions ofthe viscus as commonly performed for appendectomies in humans and smallintestinal resection and anastomosis in horses and other domesticanimals.

Although the present invention has been described with reference topreferred embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges may be made in form and detail without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An artificial body wall comprising: a first layersubstantially formed of a silicone rubber and including both anartificial epidermis-dermis layer and an artificial subcutaneous layer,the artificial subcutaneous layer extending along and below theartificial epidermis-dermis layer; and a second layer extending alongand below the first layer and substantially formed of a silicone rubber,wherein the second layer includes at least one of an artificial fascialayer or an artificial muscle layer, wherein the silicone rubber of theartificial epidermis-dermis layer includes a mixed combination includinga platinum cured room temperature vulcanization silicone rubber(“PCRTVS”) having a Shore durometer of A10 and a PCRTVS having a Shoredurometer of OO50.
 2. The artificial body wall of claim 1, wherein thePCRTVS having a Shore durometer of A10 forms between approximately 50%and approximately 80% of the mixed combination, the PCRTVS having aShore durometer of OO50 forming approximately the rest of the mixedcombination.
 3. The artificial body wall of claim 1, wherein theartificial epidermis-dermis layer has a cured Shore durometer of betweenapproximately 0050 and A10.
 4. The artificial body wall of claim 1,wherein the silicone rubber of the artificial subcutaneous layerincludes a mixed combination including a first component having PCRTVShaving a Shore durometer of A10 and a second component having a PCRTVShaving a Shore durometer of between approximately OO10 and approximatelyOO50.
 5. The artificial body wall of claim 4, wherein the siliconerubber of the artificial subcutaneous layer further includes a thirdpart having a tactile mutator.
 6. The artificial body wall of claim 5,wherein the mixed combination of the silicone rubber of the artificialsubcutaneous layer includes approximately one part of the firstcomponent, approximately one part of the second component, and betweenapproximately one part and approximately four and a half parts of thethird component.
 7. An artificial body wall comprising: a first layersubstantially formed of a silicone rubber and including at least one ofan artificial epidermis-dermis layer or an artificial subcutaneouslayer; and a second layer extending along and below the first layer andsubstantially formed of a silicone rubber, wherein the second layerincludes both an artificial fascia layer and an artificial muscle layer,the artificial muscle layer at least one of extending along and belowthe artificial fascia layer or extending between first and second layersof the artificial fascia layer, wherein the silicone rubber of theartificial fascia layer includes a mixed combination including a PCRTVShaving a Shore durometer of A10 and a PCRTVS having a Shore durometer ofA20.
 8. The artificial body wall of claim 7, wherein the PCRTVS having aShore durometer of A10 forms approximately 50% of the mixed combinationand the PCRTVS having a Shore durometer of A20 forms approximately 50%of the mixed combination.
 9. The artificial body wall of claim 7,wherein the PCRTVS having a Shore durometer of A10 forms approximately100% of the mixed combination or the PCRTVS having a Shore durometer ofA20 forms approximately 100% of the mixed combination.
 10. Theartificial body wall of claim 7, wherein the artificial fascia layer hasa cured Shore durometer of between approximately A10 and approximatelyA20.
 11. The artificial body wall of claim 7, wherein the siliconerubber of the artificial muscle layer includes a mixed combinationincluding a PCRTVS having a Shore durometer of OO10 and a PCRTVS havinga Shore durometer of OO30.
 12. The artificial body wall of claim 8,wherein the PCRTVS having a Shore durometer of OO10 forms approximately50% of the mixed combination and the PCRTVS having a Shore durometer ofOO30 forms approximately 50% of the mixed combination.
 13. Theartificial body wall of claim 8, wherein the PCRTVS having a Shoredurometer of OO10 forms approximately 100% of the mixed combination orthe PCRTVS having a Shore durometer of OO30 forms approximately 100% ofthe mixed combination.
 14. The artificial body wall of claim 7, whereinthe artificial muscle layer has a cured Shore durometer of betweenapproximately OO10 and approximately OO30.
 15. An artificial body wallcomprising: a first layer substantially formed of a silicone rubber andincluding at least one of an artificial epidermis-dermis layer or anartificial subcutaneous layer; a second layer extending along and belowthe first layer and substantially formed of a silicone rubber, whereinthe second layer includes both an artificial fascia layer and anartificial muscle layer, the artificial muscle layer at least one ofextending along and below the artificial fascia layer or extendingbetween first and second layers of the artificial fascia layer; and athird layer including at least one of an artificial peritoneum layer, anartificial pleura layer or an artificial sub-peritoneal fat layer, thethird layer extending along and below the second layer and substantiallyformed of a silicone rubber, wherein the silicone rubber of the thirdlayer includes a mixed combination including at least one of a PCRTVShaving a Shore durometer of A10, a PCRTVS having a Shore durometer ofA20, a PCRTVS having a Shore durometer of OO50, or a thixotropic agent.16. The artificial body wall of claim 15, wherein the mixed combinationincludes one of the following: a) between approximately one part toapproximately two parts the PCRTVS having a Shore durometer of A10 andbetween approximately 1/200 part and approximately 1/100 part thethixotropic agent; b) between approximately one part to approximatelytwo parts the PCRTVS having a Shore durometer of A20 and betweenapproximately 1/200 part and approximately 1/100 part the thixotropicagent; and c) between approximately one part to approximately two partsthe PCRTVS having a Shore durometer of OO50 and between approximately1/200 part and approximately 1/100 part the thixotropic agent.
 17. Anartificial body wall comprising: a first layer substantially formed of asilicone rubber and including at least one of an artificialepidermis-dermis layer or an artificial subcutaneous layer; a secondlayer extending along and below the first layer and substantially formedof a silicone rubber, wherein the second layer includes both anartificial fascia layer and an artificial muscle layer, the artificialmuscle layer at least one of extending along and below the artificialfascia layer or extending between first and second layers of theartificial fascia layer; and an artificial linea alba layer extendingalong and below the second layer and substantially formed of a siliconerubber, wherein the silicone rubber of the artificial linea alba layerincludes a mixed combination including a PCRTVS having a Shore durometerof A10 and a PCRTVS having a Shore durometer of A20.
 18. An artificialbody wall comprising: a first layer substantially formed of a siliconerubber and including at least one of an artificial epidermis-dermislayer or an artificial subcutaneous layer; and a second layer extendingalong and below the first layer and substantially formed of a siliconerubber, wherein the second layer includes at least one of an artificialfascia layer or an artificial muscle layer, wherein the at least one ofthe first layer or second layer is vascularized with a plurality oflumens.
 19. The artificial body wall of claim 18, wherein the pluralityof lumens are substantially formed of platinum cured room temperaturevulcanization silicone rubber (“PCRTVS”).
 20. The artificial body wallof claim 19, wherein at least one lumen of the plurality of lumens has amulti-layer configuration of at least one of the following: a) an innerlumen layer including a PCRTVS having a Shore durometer of OO10 and anouter lumen layer circumferentially extending about the inner lumenlayer and including a PCRTVS having a Shore durometer of OO30; b) aninner lumen layer including a platinum-catalyzed silicone rubber havinga Shore durometer of OO30 and an outer lumen layer circumferentiallyextending about the inner lumen layer and including a platinum siliconerubber paint base; c) an inner lumen layer including aplatinum-catalyzed silicone rubber having a Shore durometer of OO10 andan outer lumen layer circumferentially extending about the inner lumenlayer and including a platinum-catalyzed silicone rubber having a Shoredurometer of OO30; or d) a middle lumen layer including aplatinum-catalyzed silicone rubber having a Shore durometer of OO10 andinner and outer lumen layers circumferentially sandwiching the middlelumen layer, both of the inner and outer lumen layers including platinumsilicone rubber paint base.
 21. The artificial body wall of claim 18,further comprising means for fluidly pressurizing the plurality oflumens, the means including at least one of a pumping mechanism or afluid reservoir.
 22. The artificial body wall of claim 18, furthercomprising an element that facilitates determining an amount of fluidlost via an opening created in the plurality of lumens.
 23. A method ofmanufacturing an artificial body wall, the method comprising: molding afirst layer substantially formed of a silicone rubber and including bothan artificial epidermis-dermis layer and an artificial subcutaneouslayer, the artificial subcutaneous layer being caused to extend alongthe artificial epidermis-dermis layer after the artificialepidermis-dermis layer has substantially cured; and after the firstlayer has substantially cured, causing a second layer to extend alongthe first layer, the second layer substantially formed of a siliconerubber and including at least one of an artificial fascia layer or anartificial muscle layer, wherein the silicone rubber of the artificialepidermis-dermis layer includes a mixed combination including a PCRTVShaving a Shore durometer of A10 and a PCRTVS having a Shore durometer ofOO50.
 24. A method of manufacturing an artificial body wall, the methodcomprising: molding a first layer substantially formed of a siliconerubber and including both an artificial epidermis-dermis layer and anartificial subcutaneous layer, the artificial subcutaneous layer beingcaused to extend along the artificial epidermis-dermis layer after theartificial epidermis-dermis layer has substantially cured; and after thefirst layer has substantially cured, causing a second layer to extendalong the first layer, the second layer substantially formed of asilicone rubber and including at least one of an artificial fascia layeror an artificial muscle layer, wherein the silicone rubber of theartificial subcutaneous layer includes a mixed combination including afirst component having PCRTVS having a Shore durometer of A10 and asecond component having a PCRTVS having a Shore durometer of betweenapproximately OO10 and approximately OO50.
 25. The method of claim 24,wherein the silicone rubber of the artificial subcutaneous layer furtherincludes a third component having a tactile mutator.
 26. A method ofmanufacturing an artificial body wall, the method comprising: molding afirst layer substantially formed of a silicone rubber and including atleast one of an artificial epidermis-dermis layer or an artificialsubcutaneous layer; and after the first layer has substantially cured,causing a second layer to extend along the first layer, the second layersubstantially formed of a silicone rubber and including both anartificial fascia layer and an artificial muscle layer, the artificialmuscle layer being caused to extend along the artificial fascia layerafter the artificial fascia layer has substantially cured, wherein thesilicone rubber of the artificial fascia layer includes a mixedcombination including a PCRTVS having a Shore durometer of A10 and aPCRTVS having a Shore durometer of A20.
 27. A method of manufacturing anartificial body wall, the method comprising: molding a first layersubstantially formed of a silicone rubber and including at least one ofan artificial epidermis-dermis layer or an artificial subcutaneouslayer; and after the first layer has substantially cured, causing asecond layer to extend along the first layer, the second layersubstantially formed of a silicone rubber and including both anartificial fascia layer and an artificial muscle layer, the artificialmuscle layer being caused to extend along the artificial fascia layerafter the artificial fascia layer has substantially cured, wherein thesilicone rubber of the artificial muscle layer includes a mixedcombination including a PCRTVS having a Shore durometer of OO10 and aPCRTVS having a Shore durometer of OO30.
 28. A method of manufacturingan artificial body wall, the method comprising: molding a first layersubstantially formed of a silicone rubber and including at least one ofan artificial epidermis-dermis layer or an artificial subcutaneouslayer; after the first layer has substantially cured, causing a secondlayer to extend along the first layer, the second layer substantiallyformed of a silicone rubber and including at least one of an artificialfascia layer or an artificial muscle layer; and causing a third layer toextend along the second layer after the second layer has substantiallycured, the third layer including at least one of an artificialperitoneum layer, an artificial pleura layer or an artificialsub-peritoneal fat layer, the third layer being substantially formed ofa silicone rubber, wherein the silicone rubber of the third layerincludes a mixed combination including at least one of a PCRTVS having aShore durometer of A10, a PCRTVS having a Shore durometer of A20, aPCRTVS having a Shore durometer of OO50, or a thixotropic agent.
 29. Amethod of manufacturing an artificial body wall, the method comprising:molding a first layer substantially formed of a silicone rubber andincluding at least one of an artificial epidermis-dermis layer or anartificial subcutaneous layer; after the first layer has substantiallycured, causing a second layer to extend along the first layer, thesecond layer substantially formed of a silicone rubber and including atleast one of an artificial fascia layer or an artificial muscle layer;and causing an artificial linea alba layer to extend along the secondlayer after the second layer has substantially cured, the artificiallinea alba layer being substantially formed of a silicone rubber,wherein the silicone rubber of the artificial linea alba layer includesa mixed combination including a PCRTVS having a Shore durometer of A10and a PCRTVS having a Shore durometer of A20.
 30. A method ofmanufacturing an artificial body wall, the method comprising: molding afirst layer substantially formed of a silicone rubber and including atleast one of an artificial epidermis-dermis layer or an artificialsubcutaneous layer; after the first layer has substantially cured,causing a second layer to extend along the first layer, the second layersubstantially formed of a silicone rubber and including at least one ofan artificial fascia layer or an artificial muscle layer; and causing atleast one of the first layer or second layer to be vascularized with aplurality of lumens.
 31. The method of claim 30, wherein the pluralityof lumens are substantially formed of platinum cured room temperaturevulcanization silicone rubber (“PCRTVS”).
 32. The method of claim 31,wherein at least one lumen of the plurality of lumens has a multi-layerconfiguration of different types of PCRTVS.